Explore the vibrant city of Napier

A port city with some in importance in the Hawke's Bay area of New Zealand, Napier is situated roughly 330 km from Wellington. It is the second largest city in the Hawke's Bay region and is considered to be a twin city with Hastings. Often Hastings and Napier are collectively known as 'The Twin Cities'. Today Napier serves as a popular retirement town and tourist resort.

The town of Napier was settled by various Maori tribes long before Europeans came to the shores of New Zealand and their history is well documented. The first European to see the site was Captain James Cook. Eventually a group of European traders, whalers and missionaries settled here and started the town. They were later joined by farmers and hotel-keepers. Eventually in 1851 the crown purchased the Ahuriri block and the town was named after Sir Charles Napier. The town is located on the Bluff Hill headland on the southeastern edge of Hawke Bay. The town has grown to the point where several satellite towns are now considered to be large suburbs. Napier enjoys a warm, dry Mediterranean climate and some of the highest sunshine hours in the country. However the town also suffers the remnants of tropical cyclones from time to time and sometimes receives heavy rainfall.

When it comes to tourism, Napiers main attraction is the town's architecture. Build in an Art Deco style, it draws enthusiasts from around the world each year. The style is somewhat unique, having being built at a time when little development was being undertaken in other parts of the world due to the Great Depression. Other attractions include Marineland, the national Aquarium and the 'Pania Of The Reef' statue - one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country. Not far from Napier you will find the Soundshell Attractions which include the Cape Kidnappers Gannet colony and a number of vineyards which border the city's twin. The town may not be the home of the famous Napier University, but it wears it's name proudly. Book in at a Napier hotel now to enjoy the many little delights this city has to offer.